Centrifugal drier for use in conditioning pads, swatches, or other fabric samples without heat



July 11, 1950 R. M. PETlT 2,515,056

CENTRIFUGAL DRIER FOR USE IN CONDITIONING PADS,

SWATCHES, OR OTHER FABRIC SAMPLES WITHOUT HEAT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 16, 1948 July 11, 1950 2,515,056

R. M. PETlT CENTRIFUGAL DRIER FOR USE IN CONDITIONING PADS,

' SWATCHES, OR OTHER FABRIC SAMPLES WITHOUT HEAT Filed June 16, 1948 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

Rene 14D Peiit haw Patented July 11, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CENTRIFUGAL DRIER FOR USE IN CONDI- TIONING PADS, SWATCHES, OR OTHER FABRIC SAMPLES WITHOUT HEAT Rene M. Petit, Woonsocket, R. I.

Application June 16, 1948, Serial No. 33,376

12 Claims. i

My invention relates to improvements in centrifugal dryers for conditioning pads, swatches or other fabric samples after they have been dyed and/or finished, without the use of heat, being particularly adapted for use in conditioning the sample to room temperature and having the normal amount of moisture therein corresponding to the humidity of the room, so that it may accurately be compared for color or shade and finish with samples to be matched.

In the prior art, in matching colors whether of woven goods or unwoven fibers, it has been customary to treat the sample pad, swatch or other fabric by (1) initially totally drying it and (2) then conditioning it to absorb an amount of moisture from the room atmosphere to bring the humidity of the sample to the humidity of the room atmosphere to have a moisture content equal to the pad, swatch or other fabric sample to be matched. This has been true whether it is desired to match samples of woven fabric or samples of fibers at any stage in their manufacture, such as pads made up from-carded woolen fibers for use in making woolens or worsteds. For this purpose, it was customary to initially dry the sample, to subject it to the heat of a forced draft passing over an electric heating coil for a period of time sufficient to completely dry it, usually taking about 5 minutes. If attempts were then made to match the shade, it was found that the completely dry sample always differed in color and feel from the sample to be matched which remained at room temperature and contained the normal amount of moisture in the atmosphere. It was for this reason that it was then necessary to subject it to a second operation, i. e., of conditioning the completely dry sample to bring it up to the desired moisture content corresponding to the humidity in the room, so that the samples could be accurately matched. This usually took at least a half hour, or if forced draft was used, a minimum of fifteen minutes in addition to the time spent in drying.

My invention, therefore, comprises an improved method of conditioning such samples entirely eliminating the application of heat thereto, so that they may be directly brought to a dried condition, containing an amount of moisture corresponding to the humidity of the room, so that the samples can be immediately matched for color or feel against the desired standard sample.

Employing my improved centrifugal dryer, this can be accomplished in a minimum of two and one-half minutes up, depending on the sample, Particularly as my apparatus is constructed so I 2 as to not only function as a pure centrifuge to discharge the moisture by centrifugal force, but is also modified to function in addition as a centrifugal fan to circulate air rapidly through the samples while they are being centrifuged.

An object of my invention, therefore, is to provide an apparatus for conditioning samples not only by a pure centrifugal action but in combination therewith with a novel air circulating action produced by modifying the centrifuge to make it additionally function as a centrifugal fan for forcing air currents through the samples being dried, which air currents contain the desired amount of humidity from the room air to accurately condition the samples so they may be immediately matched for color.

A further main object of my invention is to positively eliminate all application of external heat to the samples and directly condition them, while drying them, to the desired amount of humidity, thereby saving the time formerly required to condition each dried sample.

A further object of my invention employing the circulating fan feature thereof is to mount the combination centrifuge and centrifugal fan employed by me in a casing with the fan blades being so tilted as to form a circulation of air through the casing and, if desired, additionally provide a filter material for filtering the air as it passes through the air inlet means to the casing, so that all foreign matter, dust, etc. is filtered from the air before it has a chance to contact the samples, a feature not possible in any prior art structure. i

A further feature of my invention relatesto the fact that I mount the sample holders on the ends of arms projecting radially'from a rotating shaft and I bend the arms forwardly intermediate the ends thereof preferably substantially centrally thereof and mount the perforate sample holders on the ends of the forwardly bent portions so that as the shaft rotates, drops of moisture will be thrown by centrifugal force substantially radially outwardly from said rotating holders throughout the depth of a large portion of the area of the sample being centrifuged, whereas were said arms not so bent forward, centrifugal force would have to act radially through the entire body of the sample instead of through the mere thickness thereof.

It is also apparent, due to the fact that the holders are bent forward on the arms, that centrifugal force functions to provide a component tending to flatten the samples essentially over the bases of the holders as the device rotates and enacts ends of the arms to provide a better fan action Y and also to provide a structure which will not case if wire mesh were employed.-

A further feature of my invention relates'to the balance of the apparatus, and for thislreason.

I preferably employ a flywheel for the shaft and I mount the arms radially of said flywheel'iri such a manner that each arm and its attached. holder may be adjustably twisted therein and locked in a set twisted position, so that the angle or tilt to give the desired fan action may be adjustably provided and I diametrically mount. the arms and holders on the shaft and/ or flywheel to aid the balance.

A further feature of my invention resides in the fact that I'preferably mount the arms and holders of my improved device on a horizontally extending shaft and provide a narrowed, vertically extending casing as the drying chamber thereof. Such a structure I have found takes up less space and is more convenient to replace samples thereon than'other types of structures.

A further feature of my device resides in the fact th'at I provide an electric motor which permits the use of a time switch selectively settable for different time intervals of drying, so that the color matchers may merely clip the samples in their respective holders, shut the door and start the time switch, thencome back at their leisure to find the samples completely conditioned, with the -moistu-re content equal to that of the room so that they may be accurately matched withthe standard. samples.

These and such other objects'of my invention as may hereinafter appear will be best understood from a description of the accompanying drawings which illustrate an embodiment thereof;

In the drawings,

Fig. 1- is a front elevation of a centrifugal dryer constructed in accordance-with my invention.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same, with thedoors open to show the rotating arms and sample holders thereof.

.mark the samples being conditioned as was the Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along radially of the flywheel.

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view through a sample holder taken along the line 'l---l of Fig. 4-. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the sample holder shown in Fig. 7.

Inthe drawings, wherein like characters of reference generally indicate like parts throughout, 1.0 generally indicates a centrifugal dryer for use in conditioning pads, swatches or other fabric samples. Said device includes a motor 1 a table.

[2, having a drive shaft I4 and sample holding means comprising preferably diametrically balanced arms l6 projecting radially outwardly from said shaft, preferably within a casing l8 and sample holders 20 mounted on the ends of said arms having means to clamp a sample against the forward inner end of each holder.

As stated hitherto, I provide a device which not only functions as a centrifuge but also preferably functions as a centrifugal fan to set up a circulating current of air through the samples being conditioned. As stated, in order that the samples ;22-may-be held flat against the perforate base T l-of each holder, the arms l6 are preferably bent directly forwardly at least 45, preferably about 60 intermediate the ends thereof as at H, preferably substantially centrally thereof and the sample holders 20 are mounted so that the bases 24 thereof are slightly rearwardly twistedly mounted on the end of each arm' so as to'supplem'entally function as fans to set up a circulating. current of air" through the samples being dried; I also provide means 25 to clamp a. sample 22against the forward inner edge of.saidfholderso thatas the shaft. I4 is rotated, the centrifugal force tends to throw the moisture: in droplets through said perforate base 24 and in a general radial .direction. outwardly assuggested in Fig. 2..

In my preferred. embodiment, I preferablyenclose the centrifuge in a casing l8 forming a drying chamber; Saidcasing is preferably pro vided with thedoor means 30 and has an air inlet-means.321andrair outlet means 34 and filter material =36 covering the air inlet means. The

electric motor l2 has; a line ltd-connecting it to a. source of electricity preferably through a settable: time interval switch 40.. To adjustably mount: the holders ztl-so that they may be tiltably adjusted relative to the shaft [4 and to providea more even balance I. preferably mount a flywheel l2; on the front end of the drive shaft lmwithin the casing lfiwhere. employed and the preferably diametrically balanced armsl6 have their inner ends projectingradially outwardly from saidxflywheel. In the embodiment shown. the drying chamber I8; preferably comprises a regular upstanding casing l8, having suitable meanssuch as the: short stub legs 44' on. each side-thereofico'mprising'the angle irons 44 for mounting my improved device: on a base such as Said, casing; Id also has: a rear wall 46 hayinga shaft, hole 48'- for receiving the drive shaft: 14' from" the motor l2 in .rear thereof, a top: wallv 5:0; a'b'ottom wall 52? and side walls 53.

the embodiment shown, I provide a. cylindrical baffle plate 54 mounted transversely of said casing; ofa. diameter substantially that of the height and width of. said casing and of substantially the thickness thereof. The lower portion of: said ba-flieiplate" 54 and the central portion of said bottom. wall 52 have aligned longitudinal cooperating exhaust slits 58 and BUtherein respectively. to form the air outlet means 34'.

Ifldesired, deflector strips 62 are also provided projecting rearwardly from the front. edge of each slit- As,shown;. these. deflector strips 62 are formed; on a separate; plate 64,, having slits lit therein aligned with said baffle plate 5'4 and lower wall slits; 58 and fiil,;to. discharge rearwardly the moist. air passed through the device in a differentdire'ction. the incoming; air at the front thereof- Inltheiembodiment. shown, I: provide the swin ing: doors. Eli and I'll substantially f' equal. size and of half the area of the front of the casing pivotally mounted by the hinges" on each side wall 53 thereof. Each respective door 68 and 19 has an oppositely disposed substantially semi-circular grill I4 and I6 mounted in corresponding semi-circular cutaway portions therein to provide an open space interior of the baffle plate 54. I also provide suitable latch means I8 to latch the doors 69 and I9 in closed position.

A feature of my invention comprises the fact that I mount air filtering material 89 on the inner surface of each grill so as to thoroughly filter the air coming in through the grills I4 and I6 forming the air inlet 32 of my device. While any suitable air filtering material may be employed, I preferably for this purpose employ a layer of felt, flber glass or any other suitable material 89 suitably glued or otherwise secured to the interior of each grill.

A suitable table 84 supported by the diagonal legs 86 projecting upwardly from the bottom of the casing I8 is provided on which the motor I2 is mounted so that its drive shaft I4 projects forwardly through the hole 48 in the rear wall '46 of the casing I9. As stated, the flywheel 42 is mounted on the front end of. the drive shaft I4 within the casing I8. The flywheel 42 has an integral collar portion 88 projecting rearwardly therefrom, having suitable holes 99 for receiving the set screws 92 for rigidly mounting the attached collar 99 of the flywheel 42 on the front end of the drive shaft I4.

If desired, the front end of the drive shaft I4 may be provided with the axial groove 9| therein extending backwardly substantially as far as the collar 98 extends. The bore 93 of the flywheel is also provided with a cooperating key or spline 95 which is keyed Within the groove 9| as the flywheel is mounted thereon. The set screws 92 therefor rest on the key 95 to more firmly lock the flywheel 42 to the shaft.

In order to twistably mount the holders 29 on the flywheel 42, said holders 29 are preferably rigidly mounted on the outer ends of each respective arm i6 and the inner ends ofeach arm I6 are twistably adjustably mounted in the flywheel 92 as follows: In my preferred embodiment, the arms I6 are preferably balanced diametrically of each other and for this purpose function in diametrically opposite pairs, as shown two pairs, although if desired one or more than two pairs may be employed depending on the size of the centrifuge. The flywheel 42 is provided with suitable threaded radial holes 94 for receiving the threaded inner ends 96 of the respective arms I6. Said holes 94 also have the threaded holes 9"! projecting axially rearwardly thereinto from the front edge of the flywheel 42 adapted to receive the locking set screws 98 therein. Thus, to adjust the position of each respective holder, it is merely necessary to loosen the locking set screws 98, twist the arms I6 and their attached holders 29 to the desired degree of twist, which may be twisted any desired amount from 1 to 45, preferably about 2 to 3 to achieve the desired fan action and lock the arms in set position by tightening the set screws 98.

As stated, each sample holder has the perforate base 24, which, as stated, may comprise wire mesh, but instead of using wire mesh I preferably employ a solid disk filled with concentric circles 23 of perforated holes I99 preferably spaced a substantial amount from each other to increase the fan action. I have discovered that these spaced holes function better than Wire mesh for they leave no imprint on the samples and tend to hold the samples more evenly, at the sametime permitting sufficient circulation for drying purposes through the thickness of said samples if held flat thereover. Each holder 29 in addition to the base 24 having the perforate'holes I99 therein is also preferably provided with a low circular side wall I92. The holders 29 are rigidly mounted on the outer ends of the arms in any suitable manner. In the embodiment shown, the ends thereof are slightly diametrically flattened as at I94 and at least a partial sleeve I96, in the embodiment shown comprising the two spaced arms I96, projects inwardly from each holder 29:. These arms are suitably secured such as by the rivets I99, to the flattened ends I I9 of the arms I6 as shown extending through suitable holes in the outer end of each arm. Said arms I96 have the pivot lugs II2 projecting forwardly therefrom, each having holes II4 therein to receive the ends of a pivot cross pin I I6. As means to secure the inner edge of the sample against the inner edge of the base 29, I provide the clamping member H8 having an ear I29 or other suitable means centrally thereof for mounting it as a lever of the first class on said cross pin H6 so that said clamping member I I8 may extend radially of each arm I6 and holder 29. Said clamping member .I I8 has a work arm I22 having an end I24 projecting rearwardly thereof adapted to nip the inner end of the sample 22 against the inner edge of the disc 24 and a work arm I26 projecting radially inwardly thereof to raise the end @24 away from the sample 22. To provide means to urge the end I24 into sample holding position against the base 24, I provide a flat holding spring I28 and I also provide a supplemental pin I39 extending between said spaced lugs H2. The flat holding spring I28 has a centre portion I92 looped around said pivot pin I39, a forward end I34 abutting the work arm I26 of said clamp and a rearward end I36 abutting said radial arm I6. It is obvious, however, that any suitable type of spring means to clamp the inner edge of the sample 22 against this base may be provided.

As stated, I preferably employ the settable time interval switch 49 interposed in the circuit 38 for actuating the motor I2. This preferably comprises a standard type of make and break switch which operates to break the switch after a suitable time interval controlled by clock work (not shown). The switch 49 has the dial I38 exposed on a side wall 53 of said casing and a pointer I49 adjustable to setthe clock work to operate for time controlled intervals depending on the adjustment of the pointer I49 relative to the dial I38.

As stated, any type of fabric sample at any stage in its manufacture may be employed, such as a completely woven swatch, yarn or other material. The device, however, has been successfully'used with so-called pads of dyed carded wool fibers, used particularly in making worsteds.

It is apparent that my apparatus functions in a relatively simple fashion. All the operator needs to do is to undo the latch I3, open the 'doors 68 and 79, individually attach each sample 22 to its respective holder 29 by temporarily unclipping each clip IIS and releasing it to nip the inner edge of each sample against the inner edge of each holder base 24, close the doors 96 and F9, latch them, set the pointer I 49 on the time switch 49 in its desired position relative to the dial and go about his other business. At the end of the time interval, the device automatically shuts off andthe samples 21 win be automatically condia ditioned. to room temperature so. that the, color.- matcher. may readily match them,. when the:

samples. 2.2; may be. removed and; matched; as

usual;

It issobvious thatin, operation; the motor shaft M; will. rotate to move the holders in. thedirection shown in arrows in Fig. .2 and that. a they rotatev therespective samples 22 will be held flat over their respective bases: 2d and throw water andudroplets radially outward, as suggested by: the. drops. therein and thatdueto the-tilting'of the respective holders and the fact that they are; now. largely imperforate due to the spaced perforations. l'fldtherein and the damming action caused by the samples 22. themselves, a circulatiomof; air-willzbe set up in the'device with air passingj inwardly through the inlet 32. through the filter material 3 6 and out through the outlet 34,-.tl1eentiredevice not only functioning as a centrifuge, but also setting up supplemental. air

, currents as a centrifugal fan to supplementally aid in'drying and conditioning the samples.

It is apparent. that I have provided a novel type of device for conditioning pads, swatches or other fabric samples with the advantagesdescribed above.

It is. understood that my invention is not limited to the specific embodiment shown and that. various deviations may be made therefrom without departing from the spirit and scope'of the: appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A pad, swatch or other fabric sample centrifugal dryer, comprising a casing forming a drying chamber having door means, air inlet means, air outletmeans and filter material covering the air inlet means, an electric motor having, a drive shaft extending within said drying. chamber, a settable time interval switch,,a line comiecting said motor to a source of electricity through: said time interval switch, a flywheel mounted-on saidmotor shaft within said drying. chamber: and sample holding means comprising diametrically balanced arms projecting radially outwardly fromi said flywheel bent forwardly at at least 45 intermediate the ends thereof and sample holders each comprising a perforate base slightly rearwardly twistedly mounted on the end of each arm, having a spring urged clamp adaptedto clamp a sample'against theforward inner edge: of said holder.

2; A pad; swatch or other fabricv sample centrifugal dryer, comprising a casing forming ad rying chamber having door means, air inlet means, air outlet means and filter material-covering the air inlet means, an electric motor having a drive shaft extending within said drying chamber, a

line connecting said motor to a source of electricity, a flywheel mounted on said motor. shaft within said drying chamber and sample holding means comprising diametrically balanced. arms projecting radially outwardly from said flywheel, bentforwardly at at least 45 intermediate the ends thereof, and sample holders each comprising a: perforate base slightly rearwardly twist'edly mounted on the end of each arm, having a spring urged clamp adapted to clamp a sample against the forwardinneredge of said: holder;

3. A pad, swatchor other fabric sampl'ecentrifugal dryer, com-prising acasing forming. a drying chamber having door means, air inlet'means, air outlet means and fllter material covering. the air inlet means, an electric motorhaving. a drive shaft extending within said drying chamber, a

settable: time interval. switch, a line connecting said motorrto a; sourceof electricity through said time, interval switch, and sample holding means comprising diametrically balanced arms projecting radially outwardly from said motor shaft within said. drying chamber, bent forwardly at at least 455 intermediate the ends thereof, and sample holders eachcomprising a perforate base slightly rearwardly twistedly mounted on the end of eacharm, having a spring urged clamp adaptedtoclamp a sample against the forward inner edge of said holder.

4. A.pad,.swatch or other fabric sample centrifugal dryer, comprising a casing forming a drying, chamber having door means, air inlet means, air outlet means and filter material covering the air inlet means, an electric motor having a. drive shaft extending within said drying chamber, a line connecting said motor to a source of electricity, and sample holding. means comprising diametrically balanced arms projecting radially outwardly from said motor shaft within said drying chamber, bent forwardly at at least 45 intermediate the ends thereof and sample holders each comprising a perforate base slightly rearwardly twistedly mounted on the end of each arm having. a spring urged clamp adapted to clamp a sample against the forward inner edge of said. holder.

5-. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the drying chamber comprises a rectangular upstanding casing having stub legs for mounting on a base, a rear wall having a shaft hole substantially centrally thereof, a cylindrical baffle plate mounted transversely of said casing, said baffle plate and casing, bottom wall having aligned longitudinalexhaust siits therein, having deflector strips projecting rearwardly from each front edge thereof, swinging doors each of half the area of the-front of the casing. pivotally mounted on each side thereof, each having a substantially semi circular grill therein interior of said bafiie, means to latch said; doors inclosed position and air filtering material. mounted on the inside of said doors opposite said grills.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the drying chamber comprises a rectangular upstanding casing having stub legs for mounting on therfloor, a rear wall having a shaft hole substantially centrally thereof, a casing bottom wall having anexhaust slit therein, swinging doors each of halfthe area of the front of the casing pivotallymounted on each side thereof, each having a grill therein, means to latch said doors in: closed. position andv air filtering material mountedon the inside of said doors opposite said grills.

7. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the flywheel. has radial threaded holes therein and the bases. of said sample holding arms are threadedandare threadedly mounted in said flywheelholes to be .twistably adjustable therein and said. arms; extendstraight radially outwardly from said flywheel: for substantially half the distance: to: the nearest casing wall and are then bent. forwardly about 8. Apparatus accordingto claim 2 in Which the flywheelthasradialthreaded holes therein and the. bases of. said. sample holding arms are threadedand are. thre'adedly mountedin said flywheel; holes to: be twistablyadjustable therein and said. arms extendstraight radially outwardly from said flywheel for substantially half the distance to the nearest casing wall and are than bent forwardly from 451 652 9. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which each sample holder comprises a perforate disc, having a short circular side wall, having at least a partial sleeve projecting inwardly thereof mounted on the outer end of each arm, having a pivot lug projecting forwardly therefrom, having a pin projecting laterally thereof and a clamp pivotally mounted on said pivot pin to extend radially of said arm and having a work arm terminating in an end adapted to nip the sample against the inner edge of said disc, a supplemental pivot pin and a fiat holding spring having a center portion looped around said supplemental pivot pin, a forward end abutting the power arm of said clamp and a rear end abutting said radial arm.

10. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which each sample holder comprises a perforate disc, having a short circular side wall, having at least a partial sleeve projecting inwardly thereof mounted on the outer end of each arm, having a pivot lug projecting forwardly therefrom and a clamp pivotally mounted on said pivot lug to extend radially of said arm and having a work arm terminating in an inturned end adapted to nip the sample against the forward inner edge of said disc.

11. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the motor shaft extends horizontally within said drying chamber and said flywheel and sample holding means are mounted thereon within said drying chamber to rotate'in a substantially vertical plane.

12. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which and the bases of said sample holding arms are threaded and are threadedly mounted in said flywheel holes to be twistably adjustable therein and said arms extend straight radially outwardly from said flywheel for substantially half the distance to the nearest casing wall and are then bent forwardly from 65 and in which each sample holder comprises a perforate disc, having a short circular side wall, having at least a partial sleeve projecting inwardly thereof mounted on the outer end of each arm, having a pivot lug projecting forwardly therefrom and a clamp pivotally mounted on said pivot lug to extend radially of said arm and having a work arm terminating in an inturned end adapted to nip the sample against the inner edge of said disc.

RENE M. PETIT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,439,378 Preston Dec. 19, 1922 2,188,528 Clark Jan. 30, 1940 2,275,854 Jones Mar. 10, 1942 2,386,591 Campbell Oct. 9, 1945 2,438,995 Forney Apr. 6, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 443,672 Great Britain Mar. 4, 1936 

